Venezuela

Introduction

Capital: Caracas

Population

Total Population: 27,483,000

Annual growth rate: 1.7%

Density: 31 inhabitant/km²

Urban population: 93.0%

Population of main cities including suburbs: Caracas (4,950,000); Maracaibo (2,325,000); Valencia (1,970,000); Barquisimeto (1,240,000); Ciudad Guayana (750,000).

Ethnic Origins: The origins of the population are Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, African and native. Population of mixed ethnic origins: 67%, white population: 21%, population of African origin: 10%, native population: 2%.

Official Language: Spanish.

Other languages spoken: English, French, German and Portuguese are also spoken by some sections of the population.

Business language: Even if English is used, it is still strongly advisable to speak Spanish. Most of the population does not speak English and all official documents must be drawn up in Spanish.

Religion: Catholics 96%, Protestants 2%, Others 2%.

Literacy rate: 93.0%

Local time:

It is %T:%M %A in Caracas

Exchange rate on :

National currency: Venezuelan Bolivar (VEB)

Country overview

Type of State: Bolivarian Republic. Federal state based on parliamentary democracy.

Type of economy: Upper-middle-income economy.
A so-called economy of "independent means".

HDI*: 0,826/1

HDI (world rank): 61st/177

Note: (*) The HDI, Human Development Index, is an indicator which synthesizes several data such as life expectancy, level of education, professional careers, access to culture etc.

Telecommunication

Telephone code:
To call from Venezuela, dial 00
To call in Venezuela, dial +58

Internet suffix: .ve

Computers: 8.2 per 100 inhabitants

Telephone lines: 22.4 per 100 inhabitants

Internet users: 25.5 per 100 inhabitants

Access to electricity: 99% of the population

Foreign trade in figures

Foreign trade indicators	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
Imports of goods (millions USD)	10,483	17,021	24,195	32,498	45,463
Exports of goods (millions USD)	27,230	39,668	55,647	65,210	69,165
Imports of services (millions USD)	3,512	4,497	5,349	6,005	7,524
Exports of services (millions USD)	878	1,114	1,341	1,572	1,673